Every October 27, National Mentoring Day shines a light on the power of guidance, support, and shared wisdom. It’s a day to honor the mentors who help shape lives and to encourage mentoring in all its forms – from formal workplace programs to spontaneous conversations that spark growth. Mentoring isn’t just about career advice. It’s about listening, encouraging, and believing in someone’s potential when it matters most.

What is National Mentoring Day?

National Mentoring Day is an annual awareness event dedicated to recognizing and promoting the positive impact of mentoring across all sectors. It highlights the role that experienced individuals can play in supporting others through personal, academic, or professional challenges. The day celebrates the mentors who give their time, and the mentees who take the leap to grow and learn.

Founded in the UK by award-winning business mentor Chelsey Baker, the day has since gained international attention, with events, talks, and campaigns taking place around the world to promote the value of mentoring relationships.

When is National Mentoring Day?

National Mentoring Day is celebrated every year on October 27. It’s a cornerstone of National Mentoring Month initiatives in some countries, but stands on its own as a focused, one-day event that unites individuals and organizations in acknowledging the importance of mentoring.

Activities often include mentoring workshops, networking events, shout-outs on social media, and storytelling campaigns where people share how mentorship has impacted their lives or careers.

Why National Mentoring Day Matters

Mentoring can be life-changing. For young people, it can build confidence and open doors. For professionals, it can offer clarity, direction, and renewed motivation. For communities, mentoring strengthens social bonds and reduces inequality by sharing knowledge and opportunity.

National Mentoring Day matters because mentoring often goes unrecognized. Many mentors volunteer their time quietly, and many mentees benefit in ways that are deeply personal and hard to quantify. This day brings visibility to those relationships and reminds us that we all have something valuable to offer – and something we can still learn.

How to Get Involved in National Mentoring Day

Mentoring doesn’t require a title or formal program. Anyone can take part in National Mentoring Day in ways that are meaningful and accessible:

  • Thank your mentor: Send a message, make a call, or share a story online using the campaign hashtags to express your gratitude.
  • Offer to mentor someone: Reach out to a student, junior colleague, or peer who might benefit from your insight and encouragement.
  • Start a mentoring program: If your workplace, school, or community doesn’t have one, propose a simple framework for connecting people across experience levels.
  • Attend a mentoring event: Look for panels, meet-ups, or workshops happening in your area or online.
  • Reflect and grow: Even experienced mentors can seek out new mentors for themselves. Learning never stops.

History of National Mentoring Day

National Mentoring Day was founded in 2014 by Chelsey Baker, an award-winning entrepreneur and mentor, with the mission to make mentoring more visible and accessible. Her goal was to create a national day that celebrates the incredible work mentors do across all industries, while encouraging more people to become mentors themselves.

The day has since evolved into a wider movement, with participation from schools, corporations, charities, and government institutions. Its reach continues to grow, supported by stories, partnerships, and a shared belief in the value of lifting others up.

Noteworthy Facts About Mentoring

  • Young people with a mentor are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 130% more likely to hold leadership positions later in life.
  • Mentoring can improve workplace satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention for both mentors and mentees.
  • According to LinkedIn, 89% of professionals say having a mentor has made them feel empowered and more confident.
  • Many mentoring relationships begin informally – often through a simple conversation or offer of support.
  • Mentorship has been shown to reduce social isolation, especially among marginalized or underrepresented groups.

Hashtags

#NationalMentoringDay, #MentoringMatters, #ThankYourMentor

Links

Event Information

Event Date

October 27, 2026

Event Category

Community & Inclusion Awareness

Event Country

United Kingdom

National Longevity Day
National Quiet Day 2026

Related Events

Transform Your Marketing with the Awareness Toolkit

Discover how over 5,000 marketing professionals are enhancing their campaigns with our comprehensive toolkit. Elevate your content strategy and achieve greater engagement.